Lolita

Humbert observes that Lolita’s acting lessons have become a tool that enables her to betray him, and he remembers watching with delight as she would practice acting. Watching her play tennis is a less complicated experience for Humbert; she looks even more attractive and does nothing “wrong or deceitful” (232) in her game. Humbert states that he also finds games in general to be slightly erotic and enchanting. While playing a game of tennis with Lolita at a hotel in Champion, Colorado, he notices a butterfly between them. Another couple asks them to play doubles, and before Humbert can say no, a bellboy tells him that there is a long distance call from the Beardsley School for him. He follows to the lobby only to realize there is no way anyone from the school would know where he is or how to contact him. He looks out a window to see a strange man playing doubles with Lolita and using Humbert’s own racket. When he returns to the court, the stranger has left, but Humbert’s racket is “disgustingly warm” (236). Lolita and the other players do not tell him anything about the man who played with them. Lolita says she wants to spend the rest of the day at the pool.